Search NASA⌕ Search

SEARCH · Search NASA

Results for “verification study”

Search indexed NASA NTRS and DOE OSTI research on propulsion, heat transfer, battery materials and energy systems. Follow report and document links to the original sources.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 1,081 records · Page 60

Integral and Separate Effects Test Facilities To Support Water Cooled Small Modular Reactors: A Review

This study reviews previous experimental facilities and test programs relevant to water-cooled reactor system design and analysis to meet regulatory compliances. This study aims to find the best solution for designing the required experiments, obtaining necessary test data, and verifying the developed computer code/models to support the new reactor design and development while minimizing cost and time while leveraging experiences from previous facilities to minimize. Nuclear reactor licensing requires supportive design, analysis, and experimental results to ensure the safety of the full-scale prototype reactor in regular operation, as well as during postulated accident scenarios. These reactor design analyses are generally performed using system codes and other associated simulation tools that require assessment, verification and validation using an appropriate experimental dataset. Experimental facilities used for reactor system safety analysis and system code assessments are categorized into integral effects test (IET) and separate effects test (SET) facilities. Further, these IET and SET experiments and studies use geometrically scaled systems to reproduce the prototype system behavior at a reasonable cost, albeit with some scaling-related distortions. The design challenge of these model facilities is to identify and minimize scaling distortions while reproducing the most important operational phenomena in steady-state operation and in postulated accident scenarios. Lessons learned from previous experimental facilities, models, and correlations can support the development of new multipurpose, scaled, hybrid, integrated, and modular experimental facilities for advanced light water-cooled small modular reactors (SMRs). Successful operation of these facilities can significantly reduce upfront reactor development and demonstration costs and time to deployment.

21 SPECIFIC NUCLEAR REACTORS AND ASSOCIATED PLANTS↗

Beyond Guesswork: Code Verification for Acoustic Duct Mode Prediction

The code used in the work (Swirl) is a frequency-domain linearized Euler equation solver that is designed to predict the effect of acoustic liners on acoustic modes propagating in realistic sheared and swirling mean flows, guiding the design of more efficient liner configurations. The purpose of this study is to validate Swirl using the Method Of Manufactured Solutions (MMS). This study also investigated the effect of the integration and spatial differencing methods on the convergence for a given Manufactured Solution. In addition, the effect of boundary condition implementation was tested. Through rigorous validation of the Swirl code using the MMS, this research underscores the significance of integration and spatial differencing methods on convergence, evaluates boundary condition implementations, and systematically assesses the impact of various filters.

Code Verification↗

Predicting oxidation-limited lifetime of thin-walled components of NiCrW alloy 230

Using alloy 230 as an example, a generalized oxidation lifetime model for chromia-forming Ni-base wrought alloys is proposed, which captures the most important damaging oxidation effects relevant for component design: wall thickness loss, scale spallation, and the occurrence of breakaway oxidation. For deriving input parameters and for verification of the model approach, alloy 230 specimens with different thicknesses were exposed for different times at temperatures in the range 950–1050 °C in static air. The studies focused on thin specimens (0.2–0.5 mm) to obtain data for critical subscale depletion processes resulting in breakaway oxidation within reasonably achievable test times up to 3000 h. The oxidation kinetics and oxidation-induced subscale microstructural changes were determined by combining gravimetric data with results from scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. The modeling of the scale spallation and re-formation was based on the NASA cyclic oxidation spallation program, while a new model was developed to describe accelerated oxidation occurring after longer exposure times in the thinnest specimens. The calculated oxidation data were combined with the reservoir model equation, by means of which the relation between the consumption and the remaining concentration of Cr in the alloy was established as a function of temperature and specimen thickness. Based on this approach, a generalized lifetime diagram is proposed, in which wall thickness loss is plotted as a function of time, initial specimen thickness, and temperature. As a result, the time to reach a critical Cr level at the scale/alloy interface of 10 wt% is also indicated in the diagrams.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Cyber‐physical system testbed for power system monitoring and wide‐area control verification

The electric power system is intrinsically a cyber‐physical system (CPS) with power flowing inthe physical system and information flowing in the cyber‐network. Testbeds arecrucial for understanding the cyber‐physical interactions and provideenvironments for prototyping novel applications. This study proposes afour‐layer architecture for CPS testbeds with emphases on communication networkemulation and networked physical components. A configurable software‐definednetwork is employed to bridge physical components with wide‐area applicationsfor closed‐loop control. In order to distribute physically coupled devices intomultiple software simulations, this study proposes a data broker setup based ona distributed messaging environment to achieve low‐latency data streaming. Thedecoupled design with data streaming allows for building testbed components asmodules and running them in a distributed manner. Case studies verify the databroker setup for low‐latency sensing and actuation, as well as the communicationemulation setup for the desired network latency. Also illustrated is a replayattack scenario using synchrophasors in the Western Electricity CoordinatingCouncil (WECC) 181‐bus system for demonstrating the closed‐loop cyber‐physicalsimulation capability of the testbed.

Cui, Hantao↗

Temporal variability largely explains top-down/bottom-up difference in methane emission estimates from a natural gas production region

Here, this study spatially and temporally aligns top-down and bottom-up methane emission estimates for a natural gas production basin, using multiscale emission measurements and detailed activity data reporting. We show that episodic venting from manual liquid unloadings, which occur at a small fraction of natural gas well pads, drives a factor-of-two temporal variation in the basin-scale emission rate of a US dry shale gas play. The midafternoon peak emission rate aligns with the sampling time of all regional aircraft emission studies, which target well-mixed boundary layer conditions present in the afternoon. A mechanistic understanding of emission estimates derived from various methods is critical for unbiased emission verification and effective greenhouse gas emission mitigation. Our results demonstrate that direct comparison of emission estimates from methods covering widely different timescales can be misleading.

03 NATURAL GAS↗

Clinical manifestation of hemophilia A in the absence of mutations in the F8 gene that encodes FVIII: role of microRNAs

BACKGROUND Hemophilia A (HA) is associated with mutations in the F8 gene that expresses factor VIII (FVIII). Unexpectedly, HA also manifests in a small subset of individuals with no mutations (exonic or intronic) in their F8 gene. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) cause translational interference, affecting protein quality and stoichiometry. Here, by analyzing miRNAs of two patients from this subset, we evaluated miRNA‐based FVIII suppression as a testable hypothesis to explain FVIII deficiency in patients with HA with no F8 gene mutations. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS To test the hypothesis, miRNA sequencing from two patients with mild and moderate HA with no mutations in their F8 gene, followed by experimental verification, was used to identify a group of upregulated miRNAs in patients with HA compared to normal controls; with binding sites in the 3′ untranslated region (UTR) of F8 messenger RNA (mRNA), a prerequisite for miRNA‐based gene regulation. From this pool, miR‐374b‐5p and miR‐30c‐5p, known to be expressed in human liver, where FVIII is expressed, were subjected to extensive characterization. RESULTS In two cell lines that constitutively express FVIII, we demonstrated that overexpression of miR‐374b or miR‐30c decreased FVIII expression, while an miR‐30c inhibitor partially restored FVIII expression. CONCLUSION These data support a role for microRNAs in fine‐tuning F8 gene regulation. Based on our findings, our current model suggests that in HA cases where the F8 gene is normal and is predicted to express normal levels of FVIII, F8 mRNA 3′ UTR targeting miRNAs may be responsible for a FVIII‐deficiency phenotype clinically manifesting as HA.

Jankowska, Katarzyna I.↗

SU-F-T-343: Dosimetric Investigation for Fluence Smoothing On VMAT Plans in Monaco for Head - Neck Cancers

Purpose: The study investigates the effect of fluence smoothing parameter on VMAT plans for ten head-neck cancer patients using Monaco5.00.04. Methods: VMAT plans were created using Monaco5.00.04 planning system for 10 head-neck patients. Four plans were generated for each patient using available smoothing parameters i.e. high, medium, low and off. The number of monitor units required to deliver 1 cGy was defined as a modulation degree; and was taken as a measure of plan complexity. Routinely used plan quality parameters Conformity index (CI) and Homogeneity index (HI) were used in the study. As a protocol our center, practices “medium” smoothing for clinical implementation. Plans with medium smoothing were opted as reference plans due to the clinical acceptance and dosimetric verifications made on these plans. Plans were generated by varying the smoothing parameter and re-optimization was done. The PTV was evaluated for D98%, D95%, D50%, D1% and prescription isodose volume (PIV). For critical organs; spine and parotids the parameters recorded were D1cc and Dmean respectively. Results: The cohort had the median prescription as 6000 cGy in the range of 6600 cGy - 4500 cGy. The modulation degree was observed to increase up to 6% from reference to the most complex plan. High smoothing had about 11% increase in segments which marginally (0.5 to 1%) increased the homogeneity index while conformity index remains constant. For spine the maximum D1cc was observed in medium smoothing as 4639.8 cGy, this plan was clinically accepted and dosimetrically verified. Similarly for parotids, the Dmean was 2011.9 cGy and 1817.05 cGy. Conclusion: The sensitivity of plan quality in terms of smoothing options (high, medium, low and off) available in Monaco 5.00.04 was resulted in minimal difference in terms of target coverage, conformity index and homogeneity index. Similarly changing smoothing did not result in any enhanced advantage in sparing of critical organs.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗

Establishing model credibility for process-microstructure-property relationships in additive manufacturing using exascale computing

Additive Manufacturing (AM) of alloys holds significant promise as a disruptive technology in various industries, yet its adoption is often hindered by challenges in achieving consistent part quality. These issues are primarily due to the complex process-microstructure-property (PSP) relationships inherent to AM. Computational models can greatly aid in understanding these relationships, but their widespread impact and adoption has been limited by a lack of validated, open-source, and computationally efficient PSP modeling frameworks and hardware limitations. Here, this study leverages the ExaAM software suite and data from the AMBench-2018 series of laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) benchmark experiments to perform a comprehensive model assessment, including verification, validation, sensitivity analysis, and uncertainty quantification. The RADICAL-EnTK workflow manager was used to perform an ensemble of heat transport, solidification, and mechanical response simulations on the exascale computer Frontier, considering uncertainties in critical model inputs such as laser spot size and nucleation parameters, and consisting of 125 explicit grain structure simulations and 7875 crystal plasticity simulations. For a selected location within the Inconel 625 AMBench-2018 test artifact, sensitivity analysis and uncertainty quantification were performed using the predicted distributions of grain structure and mechanical properties. Qualitative agreement was found between the predicted grain size and texture and the observed AMBench-2018 microstructure, the mean predicted yield stress was within 5% of the experimental measurement mean, and the mean predicted engineering stress at 5% strain was within 10% of the experimental measurement mean. The insights gained from development and validation of the ExaAM PSP modeling framework will help guide future directions for enhancing the credibility and reliability of PSP models in AM, thereby accelerating the adoption of AM technologies in various industries.

Additive manufacturing↗

Advanced Metering Installations – A Perspective from Federal Sites

This report is intended to provide guidance to the United States Department of Energy (DOE) and other federal agencies to highlight some of the existing practices related to advanced building metering systems. This study identified some of the existing actions related to advanced meter data and proposes how advanced metered data can be employed to develop robust cost effective measurement and verification (M&V) strategies. This report proposes an integrated framework on how advanced meter data can be used to identify energy conservation opportunities and to develop proactive M&V strategies to ensure that the savings for energy projects are being realized. This information will help improve metering, feedback, and dashboard implementations for reducing energy use at DOE facilities, based on lessons learned from various advanced metering implementations.

32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATI↗

DOE NETL Gas Hydrate Project FWP 65213: Kinetic Parameters for the Exchange of Hydrate Formers (Final Report)

This report documents the research activities sponsored by the U.S. Department of Energy, National Energy Technology Laboratory (NETL), by the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) for the gas hydrate project entitled, “Kinetic Parameters for the Exchange of Hydrate Formers.” This project started June 1, 2013 and concluded December 31, 2018, and comprised five budget periods, under FWP-65213. The overarching goal of this project was to gain an improved understanding of the dynamic processes of gas hydrate accumulations in geologic media by combining laboratory studies, numerical simulation, and analysis of shipboard infrared imaging of hydrate core samples. This project comprised four principal components: 1) fundamental laboratory investigations, 2) numerical simulator development and verification, 3) hydrate core characterization and analysis, and 4) applied laboratory and numerical investigations. Laboratory and field experiments have demonstrated the four core methodologies for producing natural gas hydrates from geologic formations: 1) depressurization, 2) thermal stimulation, 3) inhibitor injection, and 4) guest molecule exchange. Converting these methodologies into viable commercial technologies remains challenging, either from an economic or technical perspective. This project was largely focused with the technical challenges associated with the guest molecule exchange method, which is often referred to as gas swapping. Previous research by PNNL had shown that gas swapping with pure CO 2 was not feasible, as first originally thought, principally due to the formation of secondary hydrates, which clogged or reduced the effective permeability of the hydrate-bearing formation. This research was directed at discovering the potential for using mixtures of gases to affect the gas swapping methodology at commercial scales. The Ignik Sikumi Gas Hydrate Field Trial demonstrated the injection of a N 2 -CO 2 gas mixture into a natural gas hydrate bearing layer, and exchange behavior with the CH 4 hydrate former or guest molecules. The original concept behind the use of a N 2 -CO 2 was to maintain gas conditions at the reservoir state. Pure CO 2 would have existed under supercritical conditions, with an associated density closer to a liquid than gas. One of the key outcomes from this research project has been the discovery, through laboratory experiments and numerical simulation, that gas mixtures, especially those with components having different gas hydrate equilibria conditions provide a control option for the guest molecule exchange methodology. For example, the dissociation or formation of hydrate could be controlled by adjusting the composition of the gas mixture. This research project was dynamic in that the discoveries during each budget period would set the course of research during successive budget periods. Therefore, this report is arranged in chronological order progressing through the five budget periods of the project.

03 NATURAL GAS↗

Unified Approach to the Biomechanics of Dental Implantology

The human need for safe and effective dental implants is well-recognized. Although many implant designs have been tested and are in use today, a large number have resulted in clinical failure. These failures appear to be due to biomechanical effects, as well as biocompatibility and surgical factors. A unified approach is proposed using multidisciplinary systems technology, for the study of the biomechanical interactions between dental implants and host tissues. The approach progresses from biomechanical modeling and analysis, supported by experimental investigations, through implant design development, clinical verification, and education of the dental practitioner. The result of the biomechanical modeling, analysis, and experimental phases would be the development of scientific design criteria for implants. Implant designs meeting these criteria would be generated, fabricated, and tested in animals. After design acceptance, these implants would be tested in humans, using efficient and safe surgical and restorative procedures. Finally, educational media and instructional courses would be developed for training dental practitioners in the use of the resulting implants.

Grenoble, D. E.↗

Verification of a landing dynamics computer program using Viking Lander data

An investigation was conducted to verify the accuracy of the Landing Dynamics Computer Program (LDCP) used to simulate the landing event of the Viking Lander (VL) on to the Martian surface. This verification was achieved by comparing the analytical data with results from a test program involving a dynamically scaled model of a VL configuration. A secondary objective of this study was to evaluate the sensitivity of the VL to initial rates and orientations, configuration modifications, and footpad friction.

Muraca, R. J.↗

Coupled dynamics analysis of wind energy systems

A qualitative description of all key elements of a complete wind energy system computer analysis code is presented. The analysis system addresses the coupled dynamics characteristics of wind energy systems, including the interactions of the rotor, tower, nacelle, power train, control system, and electrical network. The coupled dynamics are analyzed in both the frequency and time domain to provide the basic motions and loads data required for design, performance verification and operations analysis activities. Elements of the coupled analysis code were used to design and analyze candidate rotor articulation concepts. Fundamental results and conclusions derived from these studies are presented.

Hoffman, J. A.↗

Laser space rendezvous and docking system study continuation

Investigations were made of a configuration for a spaceborne laser radar (ladar) to meet the requirements for rendezvous and docking with a cooperative object in synchronous orbit. An analysis was completed of laser phase locking techniques, while experimental verification was made of pulse repetition frequency and resonant scanning control loops. Data measurements on a satellite mock-up were also made. The investigation supports the original contention that a rendezvous and docking ladar can be configured to offer a cost effective and reliable solution to envisioned space missions.

Adelman, S.↗

Satellite detection of oil on the marine surface

The ability of two widely dissimilar spaceborne imaging sensors to detect surface oil accumulations in the marine environment has been evaluated using broadly different techniques. Digital Landsat multispectral scanner (MSS) data consisting of two visible and two near infrared channels has been processed to enhance contrast between areas of known oil coverage and background clean surface water. These enhanced images have then been compared to surface verification data gathered by aerial reconnaissance during the October 15, 1975, Landsat overpass. A similar evaluation of oil slick imaging potential has been made for digitally enhanced Seasat-A synthetic aperture radar (SAR) data from July 18, 1979. Due to the premature failure of this satellite, however, no concurrent surface verification data were collected. As a substitute, oil slick configuration information has been generated for the comparison using meteorological and oceanographic data. The test site utilized in both studies was the extensive area of natural seepage located off Coal Oil Point, adjacent to the University of California, Santa Barbara.

Wilson, M. J.↗

Nimbus-Earth radiation budget instrument analysis

The Wide Field Of View (WFOV) Earth Flux Channels of the Nimbus Earth Radiation Budget (ERB) instrument are studied with the objective of improving the understanding and confidence in the data. Laboratory tests on flight space Earth flux subassemblies followed by a set of in flight verification procedures are examined to see if the laboratory derived correction factors produced consistent results. Intercomparisons between the WFOV data and integrated scanner data as well as other truth are used in these verificaton procedures. The main source of errors are temperature and temperature gradient related offsets. The findings led to construction of a model for the short wave WFOV channel which use instrument temperatures and temperature differences to predict or establish offsets which need to be applied to data reduction algorithms for maximum final data product accuracy.

Maschhoff, R. M.↗

SE and I system testability: The key to space system FDIR and verification testing

The key to implementing self-diagnosing design is a systems engineering task focused on design for testability concurrent with design for functionality. The design for testability process described here is the product of several years of DOD study and experience. Its application to the space station has begun on Work Package II under NASA and McDonnell direction. Other work package teams are being briefed by Harris Corporation with the hope of convincing them to embrace the process. For the purpose of this discussion the term testability is used to describe the systems engineering process by which designers can assure themselves and their reviewers that their designs are TESTABLE, that is they will support the downstream process of determining their functionality. Due to the complexity and density of present-day state-of-the-art designs, such as pipeline processors and high-speed integrated circuit technology, testability feature design is a critical requirement of the functional design process. A systematic approach to Space systems test and checkout as well as fault detection fault isolation reconfiguration (FDFIR) will minimize operational costs and maximize operational efficiency. An effective design for the testability program must be implemented by all contractors to insure meeting this objective. The process is well understood and technology is here to support it.

Barry, Thomas↗

Feasibility Study of the Superconducting Gravity Gradiometer (SGG) Flight Test on the European Retrievable Carrier (EURECA)

A study was performed to determine the feasibility of conducting a flight test of the Superconducting Gravity Gradiometer (SGG) Experiment Module on one of the reflights of the European Retrievable Carrier (EURECA). EURECA was developed expressly to accommodate space science experimentation, while providing a high quality microgravity environment. As a retrievable carrier, it offers the ability to recover science experiments after a nominal six months of operations in orbit. The study concluded that the SGG Experiment Module can be accommodated and operated in a EURECA reflight mission. It was determined that such a flight test would enable the verification of the SGG Instrument flight performance and validate the design and operation of the Experiment Module. It was also concluded that a limited amount of scientific data could be obtained on this mission.

Source record↗